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“Heck, yeah.” Liam nodded, his expression eager. “I want that.”
She knew he’d get it. That chairback could be kneading his shoulders right now. Liam’s enthusiasm was making her feel okay, and some of her tension eased.
Jerry scooted his chair over, making the armrest bump against Willow’s. Her chair slid half a foot, and Willow yelped. “It’s too crowded in here already.”
Not wrong, but the new chairs would be worth re-doing the room. She’d measured. After her changes, they’d fit. Plus, they had footrests that raised. No one would be fidgeting around like Jerry and bumping into his neighbor. Their feet would be elevated. This was why she needed Dahlia to present. She wasn’t the best at articulating her ideas. Calista didn’t know which part of that they’d want to hear. She focused on Liam. “The leg rests have kneading, rolling, and tapping settings.”
Liam’s face took on more enthusiasm.
More than half of the other players were now nodding.
Making an electric whirring noise with his mouth, Kiernan pretended to push an imaginary recliner button and slid down in his conference room chair. “I love that. I’ll be kicked back, relaxing while Coach screams at me.”
Jerry pointed to the sky with his middle finger. “If we’re laying down, how are we going to see the overhead?”
Calista had thought of that. “I’ve ordered a screen for the ceiling.” If the blueprints allowed, she’d dome it like an observatory.
Kiernan nodded. “Oh, yeah, like a mirror above a hotel bed, knead me.”
Mikah thumped him on the arm. “Watch it.”
Kiernan rubbed the spot, but he nodded, accepting he’d deserved the rebuke. What would Mikah think of Artie? She really didn’t have to ask that, they’d last five minutes in a room together before Mikah left or punched him.
“Facility changes need to be run by the GM,” Dodo said, for no reason she could think of. He had not indicated that previously.
Mikah gave Dodo an impatient look. “I’m out.” He rose, looking like he had bit back what he really wanted to say, and he squeezed Calista’s shoulder on his way to the door, a gesture that made her feel valued.
Ten guys followed him and slipped from the room, but most gave her a nod on the way out.
Willow shrugged. “I don’t know, sounds crowded and expensive to the organization. Wouldn’t the men rather have that money as a bonus instead?”
That earned Willow a few grumbled agreements which made Calista’s words catch in her throat.
Jerry rose to his feet. “Whatever Dodo decides has my vote.” He headed to the door.
“Ignore him, Cal-chair,” Kiernan said. “He’s always a whiny puck.”
Jerry flipped him the bird. “I pay attention, that’s the difference between me and you Kelchier.”
Kiernan’s teal eyes lit, but Jerry left before Kiernan reacted further.
Calista tilted her head, this was on her, for not presenting well. “I’ll keep the rest a surprise.” She wanted to leave and should have taken her chance when Mikah had walked out. She could have bounced in a graceful move. Now, she was standing here hanging, hands clammy, with nothing more to add. Did she want to meet with the GM about the chairs she’d already ordered? Nope. Did she want to cancel the order? Nope.
Dodo tossed his phone on the table and hit speaker. “Buddy, Calista’s got this idea of twenty-five ginormous chairs for the conference room. We’ve told her they won’t fit, but you know women and re-decorating.”
The GM chuckled.
“I’ve told her it’s a no go, want to add anything?”
“No, you’ve got this, Applebaum.” The voice came through the speaker. The guy offered no push back.
She could measure. If Dodo shut her idea down, what was she going to do with twenty-five massage chairs? Calista gave in and looked at Ronan, hoping he’d help her out. He looked so handsome today, his blue eyes were bright, his wide shoulders broad against the upright backrest. Her insides melted.
Ronan gave a small shake of his head, keeping neutral.
Her mood sagged, but she knew better. What had she expected, a disruptive vow of loyalty? Dang, her heart leapt at the thought. Maybe she had. Disappointed, but embarrassed by her own needy reaction, Calista focused on Ronan so she could speak. “I should have explained the dimensions better.” She pointed to the wall behind the overhead. “We’ll have plenty of room after we demolish that wall and build out.” Now they’d understand.
Dodo’s certain expression wavered, and ran his hand through his hair. “I need to talk to the GM in person.” He headed to the door.
